The Argentine striker was caught by TV cameras complaining about Benitez after being hooked in the win over Palermo.

“Diego isn't calm,” Fernando Hidalgo said. “But being a professional he knows that these things happen. He wants to get out [of this rut] as soon as possible even if he doesn't feel the trust he felt last season around him.

“Someone like Milito needs to feel the support of the coach in order to give his best.

“Last year, he gave his utmost because he felt that the coach had blind faith in him. Mourinho always made him feel indispensable - the best in the world.

“Now this doesn't happen with Benitez. He always feels under examination and the early substitutions bears witness to that.

“Psychologically Mourinho protected him. He made him feel more secure and transmitted greater calm.”